The present and future land management in East Timor - From "slush and burn" to "slush and mulch"

In East Timor land degradation has become severe by continuation of the traditional land management of "slush and burn" with shortening or elimination of the fallow period and by conversion of forestry land into agricultural land forced by increase in agricultural production. Population pressure, triggered by independence of the country, is one of the causes for land degradation. The present situations of land use and land management in East Timor are introduced, followed by the statement of land degradation occurring in the country. Practices for future improvement of land management to prevent agricultural land from degradation are recommended.